Luke Skywalker isn't the only one who knows how to wave around a lightsaber. Link, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Toad, Yoshi, and more beloved Nintendo video game characters are transformed as "Star Wars" characters in "Super Smash Wars 2: The Empire Smashes Back" Part 1 and Part 2 by Oklahoma-based animator and director James Farr.

"'Star Wars' and Nintendo are both incredibly dear to my heart and have always had some interesting narrative overlap," Farr told Crave. "Eventually, I knew, somebody would think to do this. And I wanted to be the one to do it first -- and (do it) right."

There's something rather charming in seeing AT-AT walkers driven by Super Stars. Plus, Donkey Kong plays Chewbacca; Yoshi is a tauntaun (that luckily does not die); Pikachu is the patient Yoda; and Sonic the Hedgehog is a suave Lando Calrissian.

Related stories

Of all the iconic scenes in the "Empire" mashup, Farr is partial to a particular setting. "As a massive Sonic and Mega Man fan -- some of my favorite comic book crossovers -- everything in Cloud City was especially fun," Farr told Crave. "Plus, I just like seeing Mario and Sonic share a screen."

This isn't the first time Farr made an impressive tribute to both "Star Wars" and Nintendo characters. Last year, Farr created "Super Smash Wars: A Link to the Hope," featuring Phantom Lord Ganon-Darth who unveils his latest weapon. Link Skywaker must learn the ways of the Triforce to lead a rag-tag rebellion against the Empire.

Farr has written and developed comics, television, and features for Hasbro, TokyoPop, Dreamworks, Studio B, and New Line Cinema. His other Web series "Xombie" and "Trains-formers" have 106 million views combined.

Thanks to all the positive feedback Farr has gotten, fans can expect more "Star Wars" and Nintendo mashups. "'Return of the Jedi' is on the way soon," Farr said. "Though judging by the fan comments, I may just give up and call it 'Super Slave Peach.' As for the prequels, I may give it a shot. Though Jar Jar may have an unfortunate 'accident' in Act 1."

"These are easily the most complicated and painstakingly planned of all the mashup animations I've done to date," Farr told Crave of "Super Smash Wars 2." "Then again, they are also the most satisfying. Not just to watch myself, but to see others react to. If I can make somebody feel 12 years old again, even if it's just for a second, that's about all the motivation I need."

About the author

Crave freelancer Bonnie Burton is the best-selling author of "The Star Wars Craft Book" and host of the Web show "Geek DIY." When she's not writing or vlogging about sci-fi pop culture, robot fighters, and taco-delivery drones, she enjoys acting out Benedict Cumberbatch replicant fantasies with her Admiral Sackbar puppet. E-mail Bonnie.
See full bio